Losing your hair during breast cancer treatment can be scary when you’re not prepared! Here are several steps to make your chemotherapy experience less stressful.

Taking Care of Your Hair Before/During Treatment

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This story is part of Products We Love, a series on self-care for the breast cancer community.

Let’s talk about hair - something that we, as humans, are very attached to (literally!). Many people may look at themselves in the mirror and see their hair as a part of their identity, and this can make it very mentally challenging to part with it. When facing the loss of hair due to treatment for breast cancer, it’s important to remember that hair does grow back eventually. And, there are ways to nourish the scalp to help promote regrowth. Consider these simple steps to protect your hair and head, so that your beautiful hair can grow back strong and healthy after treatment.

But before we get into all that, remember that chemotherapy is different for everyone! Although the majority of chemotherapy patients do experience chemotherapy-induced hair loss, some may not. The amount of hair loss depends on the drugs and dosages administered during the course of treatment, so hair loss does not always occur. Then, there’s the consideration of shaving the hair off before it falls out on its own. Some patients that undergo chemotherapy decide to shave their head before the treatment, other’s don’t. For those that don’t shave prior to the hair falling out, there are several ways to keep the hair from falling out for as long as possible. Keep in mind that no treatment exists that can guarantee your hair won't fall out during or after chemotherapy, but these steps can help reduce hair loss.

Shampoos

Mild shampoos like Aveeno® or Vanicream, or baby shampoos are best for sensitive hair during treatment. Hair usually starts to fall out within 2 to 4 weeks after the first cycle of chemotherapy. For many breast cancer patients, hair loss occurs exactly 2 weeks after the first dose of chemo. Consider starting with one of these gentle shampoos before your first cycle, so that your hair can get used to the shampoo before treatment begins.

Cream Rinses and Hair Conditioners

Using a clean conditioner with no harmful or toxic chemicals is essential to protect your hair and head before, during, and after treatment. We recommend the Aveeno Farm-Fresh Oat Milk Sulfate-Free Conditioner or the Vanicream Free & Clear Hair Conditioner. After your shower, it can be beneficial to apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair. This will help to restore, soften, and detangle your hair every night. We love the Hairitage Light As A Feather Leave-in Conditioner!

You May Also Like Everything Your Skin Needs After Treatment

Sunscreen Products

Although it is better to avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during treatment, using hair products with sunscreen may be a good idea to provide maximum protection. Try the COOLA Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist!

Pillowcases

Satin or silk pillowcases are the best for your sensitive scalp during treatment, and they’re super cheap too!

What to Avoid

Hair spray, hair dye, bleach, or (perms)
Clips, barrettes, bobby pins, ponytail holders, or hair ties (scrunchies included)
Putting your hair in braids, cornrows, or ponytails
Hair dryers, curlers, curling irons, or hair straighteners (avoid applying heat!)
Rubber bathing/swimming caps

Hair Regrowth After Treatment

After chemotherapy, it is likely that you won’t have too much hair left (if any at all), so it is crucial that you take care of your scalp so that your hair can grow back in a normal, healthy way. That being said, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your head every day after treatment! This will protect and hydrate your sensitive skin after chemotherapy.

The Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen is verified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to be non-toxic for you AND the environment. It is very important to check the ingredients of your products before using them, so that you can avoid toxic chemicals that may have adverse effects on your skin or hair. You can do this by downloading the EWG Healthy Living App and scanning your products directly from your phone!

If you’d like to help your hair grow back faster and stronger, there are regrowth treatments that you can try out. We recommend the Keranique Hair Regrowth Treatment to stimulate hair regrowth and revitalize your hair follicles.

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Hair Care 101: Preparing for Chemotherapy